USNA Prep

Preparing You for the U.S. Naval Academy

Admissions & Application Advice

Gaining admission to the Academy can be a strenuous process, as it requires you to undergo an extensive application process as well as receive an appointment.

Basic Requirements
In order to be eligible, you must be:
--at least 17 years of age and must not have passed your 23rd birthday on July 1st of the year of admission;
--unmarried, not pregnant and have no incurred obligations of parenthood;
--a United States citizen (except for the limited quotas of international midshipmen specifically authorized by Congress); and
--of good moral character.

Additional requirements:
You must:
--be found scholastically qualified by the Admissions Board;
--be medically qualified;
--pass the Naval Academy's Physical Aptitude Examination (same for all the service academies); and
--receive an official nomination from one of many sources available

How do I apply to the Naval Academy?
The first step is to fill out a Precandidate Questionnaire. Once it is evaluated by the Naval Academy, you will be notified if you have been designated as an official candidate.

Do I have to turn in all of my application forms within 30 days?
No. There is nothing that tracks how long it has been since your packet was sent out from the Academy. The sooner you complete your application package, however, the sooner it will go before the Admissions board. Since USNA has a rolling Admissions cycle there are more openings in September than there are in January.

Should I make copies of everything I send in to USNA?
Yes. The Naval Academy deals with close to a million pieces of mail each year, and unfortunately, not every piece arrives safely. It is further recommended that you send your application package materials by certified mail so you have proof of its arrival.

How do I go about getting a nomination?
Candidates are required by law to obtain a nomination in order to be offered an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Every candidate is eligible for a nomination from the Vice President. Additionally, candidates may be eligible for nominations from the two Senators and one House Representative from their congressional district (where you claim residency). Additionally, those candidates who have a parent on active duty or that retired from active U.S. military service is also eligible for a Presidential nomination. Please apply to ALL nomination sources for which you are eligible, as this will enhance your application efforts. For more information, please see: